Really scared about ongoing help

Hi Cuda426 

Welcome to our community, I hope you find it both informative and supportive.

I am Steve, one of the community champions and my experience of cancer is via my wife who has Leiomyosarcoma. What type of cancer do you have?

When Janice was first diagnosed we were referred to the local hospice. We had one meeting with them but other that that have not seen or heard from then since - but then we have not really had any need for their help either.

Not cancer related but at one point my wife was recovering from sepsis and when it came time for her to come home our local council came and made some changes in the house to look after her - a new handrail on the stairs, grab bars in the bathroom and some adaptions to the toilet. 

Of course anyone can ring the helpline here, 0800 808 0000 that is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.

A number of nurses in our local cancer unit are Macmillan trained, there are also some people out in the community that can be quite helpful including Boots, banks and others.

<<hugs>>

Steve

Thanks Steve. My family are concerned about this article in the Telegraph. What will happen to me now?!

Cuda426 said:

What will happen to me now?!

Hi Cuda426 

The answer is that likely nothing will change for you. You still have contact with your Clinical Nurse specialist as part of your team. 
Every single newspaper I read ( and I skim through many) is full of exaggeration as that is what sells stories to attract readers and advertisers. 
The comments section of the article does illustrate how the news will reduce donations, though which is a pity. 
All charities are cutting back and it makes sense to prioritise those most in need. It’s definition of those priorities that is a problem. 
Relax. The Community here is very strong and there is much peer help from people who have walked the walk as well as talked the talk. Think about joining your cancer group.
Good luck with your journey. 

I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way it’s completely understandable to feel scared, especially being so early in your journey and facing another surgery.

I just wanted to gently reassure you that you absolutely deserve care, support and guidance, regardless of who you are. Services like Macmillan are there for everyone who needs them, and your needs matter just as much.

Sometimes there can be delays in communication, but it doesn’t mean you’ve been overlooked. It might be worth reaching out to them again, just to follow up and make sure you’re getting the support you need.

You’re not alone in feeling this way, and it’s okay to ask for help and clarity. Sending you so much strength for your surgery and everything ahead 

Hi Cuda426 

It’s Rebecca here from Macmillan’s Online Community team. I saw your post and wanted to provide some information to help you access the support you are looking for.

We appreciate that the recent media coverage may have caused concern but please be assured that our services remain available to everyone who needs them, now and in the future.

These new services launching in June will be open to everyone living with cancer across the UK. While the service is universal, we know that there are inequities in cancer care with some receiving better cancer care than others, and we want this service to ensure everyone using it gets the tailored care and support that meets their individual needs.

Here is a link to a blog post which can be found here. We hope this offers reassurance and a clearer picture of how our local services are evolving to reach and support even more people who need us.

The Macmillan Support Line also has specialist teams on hand to provide emotional, practical and financial support from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. To get in touch you can call 0808 808 00 00, send an email or start a live webchat.

You can look for your local support centre using the In your area tool on the Macmillan website.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we are here for you.

Best wishes

Rebecca 

Thank you so much to everyone that has helped me. I have received so much hate towards me in an unofficial McMillan forum and so i must stick with proper channels. I’m so nervous all the time 

Hi Cuda426 

I’m really glad you’ve felt supported here. I’m Dylan from the Online Community team.

I’m sorry to hear about your experience in that other forum. That sounds very upsetting. Macmillan and the Online Community are here for anyone affected by cancer, and we’ll do our best to help you find the support that feels right for you.

I know there are many members of the Community that would love to support you and share their own experiences. When you feel ready, you’re welcome to introduce yourself and let others know what has brought you to the Community. You can do that in the New to the Community forum.

At Macmillan, we know how important it is to access reliable information, especially when things can feel overwhelming. You might find this page helpful:

• Finding reliable health information online

As highlighted before, you can chat with someone at Macmillan on our Support Line between 8 am - 8 pm. The support team are there if you simply want to chat about how you are feeling, or they can help with practical questions you may have. 

If you have any questions about the Online Community, please feel free to get in touch with our team on community@macmillan.org.uk.

Yes, I read this! Just about to do a Macmillan will with a sum to be left to Macmillan. Not any more, I am sick and tired  of being penalised for being white British and heterosexual!  In this country ideology politics have taken over! Why can't it be fair playing field for all! Sick of the politics in our health system! What is the point of working your arse off for 45 years paying into the system and then treated as a 2nd class citizen because you are white, heterosexual! Why can't  Macmillan treat everyone the same??? Why prioritse one group over another? Why discriminate? This all disgusts me!

Just hang on Casmo  I have been a Conservative voter all my life. I read The Telegraph. You have to take all media with a pinch of salt... a huge pinch of salt. 

Casmo said:

Why can't  Macmillan treat everyone the same??? Why prioritse one group over another?

They do and they don't.

Whether you leave money to Macmillan is entirely your decision, of course, but don't let it be informed by mass media hysteria. Macmillan are here NOW .....I am Macmillan and so is every patient journeying their cancer journey here in these forum pages. Macmillan is here NOW with cancer patients in hospital and at home and will continue to be. Nobody is going to be thrown out because of colour or sexuality so put your disgust away, it is misguided.